Today marks the 11th anniversary of the original Dexter series finale.
While iconic TV shows like Friends and LOST celebrate their 30th and 20th anniversaries respectively, September 22nd holds special significance for Dexter fans as well. On this day in 2013, Showtime aired the controversial series finale, 'Remember the Monsters?'—the 96th and final episode of the original Dexter series. The episode sparked strong and divisive reactions from fans and critics alike. Things are about to change, as Dexter: Resurrection, the sequel to Dexter: New Blood, promises to provide a more satisfying conclusion for Dexter. The series will hopefully bring back every living character from the original show.
The controversial Dexter series finale, written by Scott Buck and the late Manny Coto, and directed by Steve Shill, featured several major plot developments that left fans deeply divided.
Debra's Demise
Dexter’s sister, Debra, is critically injured after being shot by the season's main antagonist Oliver Saxon. Although she initially survives surgery, she later suffers a stroke and is left in a vegetative state. Dexter makes the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support.
Dexter’s Farewell to His Family
After Deb's death and realizing the harm he's brought to those around him, Dexter takes her body, sails out to sea on his boat, and gives her a burial at sea.
Faking His Own Death
After Debra's burial, Dexter steers his boat directly into hurricane Laura, seemingly committing suicide. His boat is later found wrecked, leading his family and friends to believe he has died.
The Shocking Final Scene
In the closing moments of the episode, it’s revealed that Dexter survived the hurricane. He is shown living in isolation as a lumberjack in Oregon, having cut off all ties to his previous life—including his son, Harrison, and love interest, Hannah, who escape to Argentina.
This ending was polarizing. Many fans were disappointed with Dexter’s decision to abandon his son and the ambiguous note on which his story ended. Some felt it was unsatisfying, given Dexter’s complex moral journey throughout the series.
IMDb Rating
Despite some ups and downs, the original finale currently holds a 4.8/10 rating on IMDb with 23,000 votes. Surprisingly, the Dexter: New Blood finale has an even lower rating, standing at 4.7/10 with 26,000 votes.
How do you feel about the final episode of the original series today? Cast your vote in our poll below, and/or on the same poll on Dexter Daily's Instagram!